Fremantle Dockers midfielder Neil Erasmus explains ignoring AFL trade talk was his way of proving he can fight

Out-of-favour Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus has declared he chose to stay at the club and fight for a place in the team for 2025 because asking for a trade would have been taking the easy way out. Erasmus joined the Dockers as the 10th pick in 2021 national draft but has struggled to break into the team. He played five games in his first season, was the sub in six of his 14 matches during 2023 and managed just four matches during the most recent campaign - never playing a full game. That was despite the 20-year-old having strong WAFL form. He averaged 28 possessions across his 17 matches and won the Simpson Medal for his 26 disposals and two goals during Peel Thunder’s premiership victory. Fremantle’s powerful midfield led by Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young will continue to make it difficult for youngsters to break into the team. But Erasmus, who was already contracted for 2025, told The West Australian that he didn’t want to be the type of player who refused to stay and fight. “Taking the easy choice isn’t always going to work out the best,” Erasmus explained. “I think that’s a bit of perspective. I’d like to think I have a good perspective as a person. I like a challenge, so I guess that’s what this is. And moving forward, I would like to prove myself and this year is going to be a big part of that. “They invested in me as a draft pick and and I feel like there’s a spot here for me. I grew up in Perth. I feel like there’s a spot here for me. I’m keen to make a name for myself going forward and give back to the club and develop as a player. “It’s a great environment to be around. I feel like I can get the best out of myself. The coaches, the players and my best mates are here.” Erasmus said it had been obvious when reflecting on the season that the durability of Fremantle’s midfield had made it even harder to get selected. Serong, Brayshaw and Young played every game last season and Nat Fyfe missed just one match. While he also believes he can push for selection in the forward line, Erasmus wasn’t playing near the goals for Peel which meant coaches had no reason to pick him in any other position for the Dockers. Erasmus said it would be foolish to think the Simpson Medal would be looked at as a reason to select him for AFL duties during 2025. “I definitely won’t rest on that. That’s not really what I’m about,” Erasmus said. “I guess it was a nice way to finish the year, but it sort of just made me hungrier. I don’t think last year’s performances are going to be held in regard this year. I think that’s the same with anyone in the anyone in the team. I don’t think anyone gets a free a free spot on the team. “But I’d like to think that I’ll be able to to use what I learned last year and what I applied in the grand final and final series and put it forward into this year to get picked in the team, rather than using just the grand final.” Erasmus admitted he’d found it difficult to adjust when going from being a key ball winner in the WAFL to having to fill a different role when selected to play for Fremantle. He spent time in the centre square against Essendon when Fyfe didn’t play and had 13 disposals in the first half, but the Dockers were getting beaten around the stoppages and Erasmus was subbed out to change the balance of the midfield. The selection challenge won’t get any easier in 2025. Shai Bolton has arrived from Richmond and will rotate between the forward line and midfield. Matt Johnson, who was part of Erasmus’ draft class, spent last season on the wing is chasing more midfield time. Erasmus said it was crucial that he use the summer to improve both the defensive side of his game and his ability to play in other positions to give the coaches more reasons to pick him. “It’s very different to the WAFL level in terms of structures and pace,” Erasmus said. “If you look at the guys like Caleb Andy and Hayden, I want to do whatever I can to help them to play well. So, it’s a different mindset. “In general I’ve got room to improve on the defensive side of my game, which is exciting. I think I’m pretty versatile I’ll do whatever it takes to find a spot in the team.”